In June 2025, our hospital admitted Mr. Xiong, a 34-year-old patient with chronic hepatitis B.

      The patient reported that as early as August 2024, examinations at another hospital had already revealed abnormal liver function (see Figure 1) and HBeAg-positive chronic hepatitis B ("Big Three Positive"). At that time, he received only conventional liver-protecting and enzyme-lowering medication, without any anti-hepatitis B virus intervention. By late August 2025, his follow-up results showed an extremely high HBV DNA level of 5.91E+08 (590 million, see Figure 2), indicating highly active viral replication. Furthermore, his liver function remained persistently unstable—rebounding upon cessation of medication and remaining relatively normal only while medicated. Experts at the other hospital recommended antiviral therapy; however, influenced by the experiences of friends and relatives with hepatitis B, Mr. Xiong consistently refused this treatment plan.

Figure 1: Mildly Abnormal Liver Function

Figure 2: Extremely High Viral Load

      Dr. Xia Bang'en, a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) physician at our hospital (Medical License No.: 541330283000002), initially combined liver-protecting and enzyme-lowering drugs with TCM for a period of regulation based on the patient's biochemical test reports, baseline liver function, and medical history. However, the therapeutic effect was not significant.

      Earlier this year, after careful deliberation and comprehensive assessment of the patient's actual condition, Dr. Xia concluded that the pathogenesis of hepatitis B is closely related to autoimmune dysfunction. Long-term reliance on liver-protecting and enzyme-lowering treatments does not address the root cause but instead leads to the inability of the body's own immune system to make critical adjustments—a key factor often overlooked in clinical practice. Given that Mr. Xiong is young, has no severe liver damage or cirrhosis, and possesses good immune reserve, he met the fundamental criteria for a drug-free intervention protocol under full medical supervision—specifically, a personalized immune-regulation intervention.

      After Dr. Xia fully informed Mr. Xiong of the potential risks associated with this approach, Mr. Xiong carefully considered the information and ultimately decided to undergo the drug-free immune-nurturing intervention. The specific protocol included:

      1. Complete cessation of all previous liver-protecting and enzyme-lowering medications; no Chinese or Western medicines were to be used throughout the entire process.

      2. Continuous supervised follow-up with real-time monitoring of changes in liver function indicators.

      3. Strict adherence to regulated sleep schedules and dietary guidelines.

      On March 5, 2026, during a follow-up examination, Mr. Xiong’s ALT level rose to 159.4 U/L, and his HBV DNA quantification reached the 9th power, with a viral load exceeding 1 billion IU/mL (see Figure 3). Approximately one month later, a subsequent recheck showed a further increase in ALT to 347.8 U/L (see Figure 4). During this phase, the drastic fluctuation in indicators caused immense psychological pressure and significant anxiety for the patient. Based on an assessment of the patient's condition and physical state, Dr. Xia advised continuing the drug-free intervention while establishing a backup treatment plan: should the disease show explosive progression, a proprietary Smilax glabra compound formula would be immediately initiated for clinical intervention to stabilize the condition.

Figure 3: Viral Load Exceeds Reagent Detection Limit After Medication Cessation

Figure 4: Further Deterioration of Liver Function After Medication Cessation

      Under continuous observation, the patient's ALT levels began to decline half a month later. Following another two weeks of follow-up, on May 4, his liver function returned to normal (see Figure 5), and his HBV DNA quantification dropped to the 6th power—a 1,000-fold decrease from the peak viral load (see Figure 6).

Figure 5: First Return to Normal Liver Function

Figure 6: 1,000-Fold Decrease in Viral Load

      As of the latest follow-up on June 8, all liver function indicators remained consistently normal (see Figure 7), and HBV DNA quantification further decreased to the 5th power—representing a 10,000-fold reduction compared to the peak viral load three months prior (see Figure 8). A stable seroconversion to HBeAg-negative status ("Small Three Positive") appears imminent.

Figure 7: Sustained Normal Liver Function

Figure 8: 10,000-Fold Decrease in Viral Load

      Currently, all of Mr. Xiong’s liver function indicators have completely returned to normal, HBV replication activity has significantly decreased, and HBV DNA quantification shows a sustained downward trend. Both viral replication and liver injury are now effectively controlled. Meanwhile, previous clinical symptoms such as generalized fatigue and soreness/distension in the liver region have been markedly alleviated, and his overall health continues to improve steadily.

      Dr. Xia stated that drug-free immune-nurturing intervention represents an innovative clinical approach within TCM for treating hepatitis B patients with long-term abnormal liver function. It essentially harnesses the body's self-healing capacity (immune function) to precisely recognize and combat the hepatitis B virus during disease exacerbation. The eligibility criteria for this protocol are extremely stringent: it applies exclusively to specific hepatitis B patients who have mild liver damage but persistent illness, no liver cirrhosis, and can comply with frequent follow-ups and comprehensive medical monitoring. Patients already undergoing antiviral therapy are strictly prohibited from discontinuing medication on their own or attempting to imitate this drug-free intervention. Blindly doing so can easily trigger severe liver disease or liver failure, which may be life-threatening in serious cases.

      Furthermore, the drug-free immune-nurturing protocol must be conducted under the full supervision and follow-up of professional physicians and cannot be carried out without real-time medical monitoring by qualified practitioners. All patients with liver disease must never discontinue medication or attempt self-regulation without authorization. Any adjustment to treatment or care plans requires prior evaluation and approval by a professional physician.

Warm Tips for Medical Consultation

      Chronic liver disease is a preventable, controllable, and manageable chronic condition over the long term. Patients need not experience excessive anxiety or panic, nor should they take the condition lightly or engage in arbitrary, unguided interventions. If you experience recurrent abnormal liver function, fluctuating viral markers, or discomfort in the liver region, please visit a legitimate medical institution and undergo standardized examinations and treatment under the guidance of licensed professional physicians.

Professional Reminder from Physicians: Individual Cases Vary; Blind Imitation Is Strictly Prohibited.

Ningbo Fenghua Xiabang Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital Medical Institution Practice License No.: MA2J5BU1433028315A2102

(In addition, we share some good news: Mr. Qi, the liver failure patient previously featured in our follow-up reports, remains in a stable condition.)